More from Cut Magazines Top 150 Movies (3)

Let's blast through some movies on the list as we creep up to the Top Film Fanatic movies.

130-121

130. Predator (1987) who would have thought 20 years later the (human) leads of this movie would go on to become U.S. state governers? At least we can look forward to seeing Charles Weathers in... The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang?!? Predator could be called the best of the limited strong-man-vs-alien action genre. Lots of tension and guttings.

129. Last of the Mohicans (1992) I think Daniel Day Lewis has been in about four movies over the last fifteen years, but he always picks winners. One could argue Gangs of New York was a better movie for him, but why would you want to? You can have your cake and eat it, too.

128. Cinema Paradiso (1989) A fantastic French movie at a time when some thought French cinema was dead. Movies about love for movies can crash and burn if not handled perfectly, and in this case is. I think this just went back to the top of my Netflix queue.

127. Spiderman 2 (2004) How do you follow-up the most popular superhero movie in recent memory? Don't change a thing, just turn up the heat. A great follow-up, as good or better than the original puts confidence in the hearts of fan-boys that part 3 will be just as good or better. With Sam Raimi still at the helm and the intorduction of the Venom story-line, the movie should practically make itself.

126. Rushmore (1998) Saying Rushmore is my least favorite Wes Anderson movie is the same as me saying Three Musicians is my least favorite Picasso Painting. It may not be my favorite, but it's still pretty damn good. This is the beginning of the new Bill Murray, and the subtleties he shows in this role have become his namesake now. A high school picture too intelligent for most high school kids.

125. Hero (2002) The second anti-grav string held action movies, this time starring Jet Li. As Jet Li movies go, this is one of the highest budget movies he has been in, and it is gorgeous. However, there isn't quite as much heart as some of his earlier historical movies.

124. Once Upon a Time in America (1984) One of the best all around movies (beyond the historical/gangster genre) that I almost never hear people talk about. This is the second of our Sergio Leone movies, and he goes from the barren west to New York City without missing a beat. Epic in length and proportions this is an amazing tale of a gangster returning home to atone for his sins. As memorable as Goodfellas and quotable as The Godfather, Once Upon a Time in America is another absolute must-see.

123. Grease (1978) If your are going to force yourself to watch a musical, you might as well make it Grease. Many careers peaked with this flick, which became a classic not thanks to the great story or acting, but mostly the music, which despite all efforts, is hard to resist.

122. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) Going from Grease to One Flew Over... is like going from out of the out of the banana split and into the fire. Jack Nicolson shines in what may be one of the most talented supporting casts in the history of film. The strength of the story and the power of the cast make it hard to not be sucked into this tale of a petty criminal pleading insanity to avoid jailtime. The often imitated "patients running the nuthouse" is executed here perfectly to a poweful and unforgettable finish.

121. Top Gun (1986) Hot actors, hot soundtrack, hot action...perfect for 1986, but you cannot listen to "(Highway to the) Danger Zone" now without snickering. The same is true for the movie. Many have great memories of seeing Top Gun, but I dare you to sit through this one all the way through today.